The midnight 5

Now it was everyone else’s turn to be stunned. 

Thomas ran a hand through his hair in frustration. 

‘Mom, have you lost your mind? Why are you encouraging this? Isn’t this chaotic enough for you?” 

His father chimed in, “Honey, what is it? We came here to solve problems, not make them worse. Why are 

you…” 

But no matter what they said, my mother-in-law was resolute, her voice like steel. 

He needs to sign these papers today. You two may have no shame, but I still have my pride.” 

Someone in the crowd, one of Thomas’s colleagues, stepped forward. 

Ma’am, with all due respect, that’s not what you were saying before she got here. You said she must have 

done something shady herself to be looking for such a flimsy excuse to leave your son.” 

His eyes narrowed. “Now I’m curious. What did you see on that phone that made you change your mind sc 

ast?” 

His question hit its mark. All eyes swiveled to my phone. Someone even made a move to grab it, but I was 

aster, snatching it away. 

Thomas was losing his composure. He planted his hands on his hips and let out a long, theatrical sigh, shift- 

ng back into his role as the long-suffering husband. 

Claire, it’s not what they think, is it? We’ve been married for years. You wouldn’t just throw that all away. I 

don’t believe it.” 

He gestured around the room. “I only brought our parents here because I wanted to save our marriage. That’ s all. I swear on my life, nothing ever happened between me and Jenna.” 

As he spoke, he moved toward me again, reaching out to pull me into an embrace. 

I didn’t give him the chance. I shoved him back and slapped him hard across the face, the sound echoing in 

the silent room. 

“I told you not to call me Claire in that tone. It makes me sick! It seems you’re incapable of listening.” 

3/11 

14:42 

Chapter 2 

My voice was cold and sharp. “Enough of this circus. Here’s the divorce agreement. Sign it.” 

Being slapped in front of everyone was one thing, but Thomas’s friends couldn’t stomach the humiliation. One of them lunged forward, pointing a finger in my face. 

“What is wrong with you? Why do you keep hitting him? You keep saying he cheated, so where’s your proof?” 

Another sneered, “You drag one woman’s name through the mud, and now you’re starting on another. Guess that’s what you get from someone from the sticks. No class at all.” 

The insult hung in the air, instantly silencing the room. 

Thomas’s face went dark. He spun around and punched the man square in the jaw. 

‘She’s your friend’s wife. How dare you talk to her like that?” 

The man, realizing his mistake, started slapping his own mouth in a ridiculous display of apology. 

‘I’m so sorry, Claire… I’m an idiot. Please don’t blame Thomas for what I said…” 

didn’t grow up in the city. My parents were simple, hardworking farmers who had sacrificed everything to give me an education. I had clawed my way to a stable life here, where I met Thomas. His family had money so the moment he started pursuing me, I told him everything about my background. 

Our families are worlds apart,” I had told him more than once. “Are you sure you’re okay with that? You won’ 

ook down on me?” 

And each time, he had reassured me. “Claire, do you really think I’m that shallow? I love you. None of tha 

>ther stuff matters.” 

So what if you didn’t have much growing up? We’ll build our own perfect life together.” 

Thinking back on it now, it was all a pathetic joke. What kind of stories had Thomas been telling them behinc ny back for his friend to so casually throw my past in my face? 

A sheen of sweat broke out on Thomas’s forehead. He looked at me, his eyes red and pleading. “Claire…” 

couldn’t hold it back. I slapped him again. 

‘I’m asking you one last time. Are you going to sign, or not? Because I’m done playing nice.”